After reaching 100 K League games in his fourth season as a professional, Lee Sang-min shared his thoughts and resolve.
Gimcheon Sangmu lost 1-2 away to Jeonnam Dragons in the 27th round of the Hana OneQ K League 2 2023 at Gwangyang Football Stadium on the 20th. On this day, Lee Sang-min started and reached 100 K League games.
After the game, Lee said, “First of all, it’s unfortunate that we lost the game. It’s a glorious moment for my record, and I have the desire to play 200 or 300 more games in the future. I will prepare well for each game step by step.”
After joining the Ulsan Hyundai U-18 team in 2018, Lee had a difficult start to his professional career. After failing to make his professional debut in 2018, he was loaned to V-Varen Nagasaki (J2 League) in 2019. He was then loaned to Seoul E-Land in 2020 and made his professional debut on May 9.
Since his professional debut in 2020, Lee has been on a roll. In 2020 and 2021, he played 26 and 28 games for the club, respectively, scoring one goal and providing three assists. In 2022, he moved to FC Seoul, where he made 25 appearances, scoring one goal and creating four assists. This season, he joined Gimcheon and has made 21 appearances for the club. By consistently appearing in 20 or more games, Lee reached 100 professional matches in four seasons.
“I made my professional debut in Japan and made my late K League debut in 2020 with Eland. Personally, I can’t help but compare myself to players my age. I don’t think I’m that fast in terms of the number of years I’ve been a professional. I think it’s the right time. I hope to continue to play more games in the pros in the future.”
After enlisting this season, Lee unintentionally reunited with an old friend in Gimcheon. Jung Jung-yong was his coach at Seoul E-Land. Not only did Lee spend two seasons with Jeong during his time with the club, but he was also the coach who led Lee to his first age-group national team call-up.
“When I first heard the news of his appointment, I thought, ‘Wow, we have such a good relationship.’ I was happy to see him because we have such a strong relationship. I want to make good memories with him, and I think I know what he wants and what he needs. I try to fulfill it well on the field and in the team.”
Throughout his time with the national team, Lee has always worn the captain’s armband, showing off his sense of responsibility. He wore the captain’s armband at the 2015 and 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cups and the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship. He also served as a captain for FC Seoul in 2022, alongside Cho Young-wook and Yoon Jong-gyu. 카지노
“Personally, I have a strong sense of responsibility when given a position,” said Lee Sang-min. I think the coaches saw it that way and entrusted me with the captaincy. The captain always represents the players, so it’s an honor but also a responsibility,” he said.
With 40 percent of his military career complete, Lee is set to be promoted to corporal on Oct. 1. He is also close to being promoted to Chief of Staff following the December retirements.
“I’m looking forward to